Systems and methods for floor sanitization

ABSTRACT

A modular UV panel disposable on a floor surface and configured to selectively transmit ultraviolet (UV) light therefrom to destroy pathogens includes a housing, a platform, a UV light source, a first connector, and a second connector. The housing has a first and second lateral sides forming a cavity therebetween. The platform is supported by the housing and is configured to permit passage of UV light therethrough. The UV light source is disposed within the cavity of the housing and is configured to transmit UV light through the platform. The first connector is disposed along the housing having a first interface configured to enable electrical communication thereacross. The second connector is disposed along the housing having a second interface configured to enable electrical communication thereacross.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/430,070, filed on Dec. 5, 2016,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to self-sanitizing flooring. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus which emitsultraviolet light to render pathogens inert both along a floor surfaceas well as on objects placed on the floor surface.

BACKGROUND

Floor surfaces which come into contact with foot-traffic, such as ineither public or private spaces, may foster an environment which allowsfor the growth, and continued existence of, surface pathogens. Commonpathogens which may be found on a floor surface include, withoutlimitation, Staph, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),Clostridium difficile (C. diff), E. coli, Legionella, Salmonella,Shigella, V. cholera, Hepatitis, Poliovirus, Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium,Giardia, Bacillus Spores, and Adenovirus, among other known viral andbacterial growths.

Pathogens may be found in a variety of places, ranging from arenabathrooms to kitchen floors. In particular, hospitals and healthcarecenters, due to their increased contact with individuals who may beinfected with such pathogens, are at a particular risk for pathogengrowth. Given their nature, hospitals and healthcare centers often comeinto either indirect or direct contact with pathogens, being the placeindividuals turn to first when faced with an infection. As such,hospitals and healthcare centers often develop very rigid sanitizationregimens, often using chemicals to sanitize surfaces which are at risk.

Private and public institutions, including households, publicfacilities, and hospitals to name a few, combat the growth of thesepathogens by applying chemical compounds to surfaces believed to be atan increased risk of harboring these pathogens. Among these compoundsare ethoxylated alcohol, sodium citrate, tetrasodium, sodium carbonate,sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride, to name a few. While effective,these chemicals carry serious risks if mishandled or misapplied to thesurface(s) being cleaned as well as the individual applying thechemical. In particular, these chemicals may cause undesirable reactionswith individuals when coming in contact with skin, eyes, and respiratorysystems, ranging from mild to severe irritation of the contactedsurface.

While chemical agents provide significant benefits over standard soapsor other known cleaning methods, it is desirable to provide improvedapparatuses, methods, and systems for eliminating or reducing pathogengrowth along trafficked surfaces.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a modular UVpanel may be configured to be disposed on a floor surface and toselectively transmit ultraviolet (UV) light therefrom to destroypathogens. The modular panel may include a housing, a platform, a UVlight source, a first connector, and a second connector. The housingincludes a first and second lateral sides which form a cavitytherebetween. The platform is supported by the housing and configured topermit passage of UV light therethrough. the UV light source is disposedwithin the cavity of the housing. The UV light source is furtherconfigured to transmit UV light through the platform. The firstconnector is disposed along the housing and includes a first interfaceconfigured to enable electrical communication thereacross. The secondconnector is disposed along the housing and includes a second interfaceconfigured to enable electrical communication thereacross.

In aspects the first connector or the second connector are coupled to apower supply connection and are configured to receive electrical powerand transmit power to the UV light source.

The modular UV panel may include a controller in electricalcommunication with the power supply and the UV light source. Thecontroller may be configured to control operation of the UV lightsource. The controller may be configured to operate in an ACTIVE state,a PASSIVE state, or an ON state. The controller may cause the UV lightsource to transmit UV light at a reduced luminescence while operatingduring the PASSIVE state.

The platform may include a plurality of running bars disposed in spacedrelation thereon. The plurality of running bars may be disposed at apredefined angle (θ) relative to a plane defined by the platform suchthat UV light transmitted by the UV light source is transmitted from themodular UV panel at the predefined angle θ. The light source may beconfigured to transmit light at a UV-C wavelength range. The platformmay further include a second plurality of running bars intersecting theplurality of running bars, thereby defining a grid. The platform may befabricated from aluminum.

In aspects, a cover may be removably disposed along an upper portion ofthe housing. The cover may be configured to enclose the cavity of thehousing. The housing may be constructed of a reflective material. The UVpanel may further include a housing base configured to be attached tothe first and second lateral sides. The housing and the housing base maybe constructed of a reflected material configured to reflect transmittedUV light towards the platform. The housing may be configured to receivea reflective tray having a reflective white polytetrafluoroethylenecoating. The UV light source may be a UV LED panel configured to emitshort-wavelength UV radiation. The UV light source may be a UV bulbconfigured to emit short-wavelength UV radiation. The UV bulb may bedisposed in the cavity.

In aspects the modular UV panel may further include a strain gauge inelectrical communication with the controller and configured to transmitforce measurements thereto in response to force exerted on the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for destroying pathogensincluding a modular panel in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular panel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interconnected modular panelconfiguration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view the modular panel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is an alternative embodiment of the modular panel of FIG. 4Aaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a first and second modular panel inan uncoupled configuration;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view the first and second modular panel ofFIG. 5A in a coupled configuration;

FIG. 6 is an perspective view of a corner of the modular panel of FIG.2;

FIG. 7A-7C are side plans of UV LED panel diode arrangements inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment a sanitizing system in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is an alternative embodiment a sanitizing system having asupplemental platform in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the supplemental platform of FIG.12A, taken along A-A;

FIG. 12C is an alternative embodiment the sanitizing system of FIG. 12Ain accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12D is an alternative embodiment the sanitizing system of FIG. 12Ain accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular panel of FIG. 2, with parts cut away, according to embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an alternative embodiment of the modular panel of FIG. 13,with parts cut away, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a controller-based process for controllingone or more modular panels according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an alternative controller-based process forcontrolling one or more modular panels according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail withreference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

Described herein are systems and methods including a self-sanitizing afloor surface and a sanitization system for objects in close proximityto the self-sanitizing floor surface. Though certain embodiments arediscussed in detail, descriptions of the embodiments included herein arenot intended to limit or reduce the scope of the present disclosure;rather they are included to assist in illustrating particular disclosedfeatures. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatembodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with or withoutall of the details discussed herein, or by combining the variousdisclosed elements.

As used, the term “pathogen” includes, but is not limited to, viruses,bacteria and the like, including Staph, Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C. diff), E. coli,Legionella, Salmonella, Shigella, V. cholera, Hepatitis, Poliovirus,Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Bacillus Spores, and Adenovirus.

For purposes of clarity, the term “UV” refers to ultraviolet rays,particularly “UV-C” rays or “shortwave UV,” often delivered in awavelength between 100 nm to 280 nm for germicidal application.

Introducing ultraviolet (“UV”) light allows for non-chemical cleaningand disinfecting of surfaces, objects, and fluids. For instance, UVlight purification allows for efficient water purification in home andcommercial water filtration units, without the need to boil water,introduce chemicals, or install cumbersome manual filtration systems. UVlight also has the ability to kill chemically resistant bacteria andviruses which would otherwise evade chemical cleaning applications.Further, UV purification applications are not limited to fluidapplications; rather UV light can be used for sanitization in airhandling, object cleaning, and surface cleaning systems.

The present disclosure features devices, systems, and methods by which afloor can be sanitized, either sporadically or continuously, using UVlight. Such sanitization devices, systems, and methods can include aplurality of connected floor tiles which deliver UV light to the tilesurface. Introduction of additional substances, such as titanium oxide,during the UV floor tile sanitization may also be implemented for a morethorough cleaning of the floor surface and objects thereon. As a resultof delivering adequate amounts of UV light to the floor surfacebacterial or viral matter thereon are eliminated. Similarly, objects inclose direct contact with, or which are close in proximity, are likewisedisinfected.

For illustrative purposes, the following example of a situation wherenon-chemical sanitization of a floor surface would be desirable. A roomin a healthcare facility may be assigned to an individual who wasdiagnosed as being infected with MRSA. While in this particular instancethe MRSA infection is not life threatening, the infection must beaddressed. For the safety of healthcare facility staff and guests, thepatient is assigned to a room which has installed therein a UV floortile sanitization system for the duration of the treatment.

As a result of assigning the patient to a room with UV floor tiles, thepatient, healthcare facility staff, and guests can walk about with areduced chance of contracting the infection. The floor may additionallybe cleaned chemically for added protection, though such cleaning may notbe necessary. Assigning the patient to a room including UV floor tiletiles may further decrease the recovery time of the patient as well asreduce the chance that the infection will spread to uninfected parts ofthe body of the patient. Depending on the desired sanitization level, orbased on the risk posed by the particular infection, the UV floor tilesmay passively activated, such as when the patient is asleep, or afterdetecting that the patient, guests, and/or staff has left the room.Alternatively, the UV floor tiles may be activated actively, forexample, after a spill or during thorough cleaning.

In addition to the example provided, the UV floor tiles may be installedin hallways, entryways, thresholds, or in rooms where there is anincreased risk of pathogenic transfer, particularly where there is heavyfoot traffic. It should be noted that installation of UV floor tilesshould not be limited to healthcare facilities, but rather may beintroduced in any environment where there is an increased risk ofpathogenic growth, including public restrooms, food handling andpreparation facilities, and the like. The figures relating to thepresent disclosure will now be explained in detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of four interconnected modular UV floortiles (hereinafter “modular UV panels”) for destroying pathogens. Asillustrated, a floor system 100 may be configured to receive one or moreindividuals 104 having footwear 106 in direct contact with a grate 202of one or more modular UV panels 200. When activated, UV light isemitted through the grate 202, thereby causing UV light to betransmitted to the footwear 106 of the individual 104. Activation of themodular UV panels 200 may occur either manually (e.g., when foreignsignals are received), periodically (e.g., on a timer), or as a resultof detecting an increased floor load via one or more strain gauges 224disposed about the modular UV panels 200. In embodiments, UV light maybe directed through the grate 202 at an angle θ (see FIGS. 7A-7C),thereby causing the transmission of UV light indirectly to the footwear106 of the individual 104. Such indirect transfer of light may bedesigned to reduce the chance of inadvertent transmission of the UVlight to the eyes of any individual 104 near the modular UV panels 200.Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the floor system 100 is locatedpartially flush against a wall 110. In embodiments, the floor system 100may be integrated or dispersed across a larger area (e.g., may be placedin a checker pattern or other such patterns across a floor surface) (seeFIGS. 8-11.)

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the plurality of modular UV panels 200 areconnected both mechanically and electrically. Each modular UV panel 200,as illustrated, has eight male connectors 208 and female connectors 228,though it is contemplated that there may be more or fewer male andfemale connectors 208, 228 extending inwardly and outwardly from themodular UV panels 200. The male and female connectors 208, 228facilitate mechanical interconnection between the modular UV panels 200,thereby maintaining the position of the modular UV panels 200 relativeto one another. Additionally, the male and female connectors 208, 228enable selective electric connection between the modular UV panels 200.The electric connections permit both electrical power and electricalsignals (e.g., control and sensor signals) to be transmitted to and frommodular UV panels 200 via a tile control unit (FIG. 4). The tile controlunit may be disposed within one a modular UV panel 200 and/or remotelyrelative to the modular UV panels 200. The modular UV panels 200 may beactivated either via an external control (not shown), continuously,intermittently, or upon actuation of one or more strain gauges 224 (FIG.4). Activation based on receiving signals from one or more strain gauges224 may occur immediately or after a predetermined amount of time hastranspired. As illustrated, a tile threshold 108 extends between themodular UV panels 200 which are connected. The tile threshold 108 mayprovide support both laterally to the modular UV panels 200 locatedadjacent to one another, as well as vertically to the grate 202.

When the floor system 100 is partially integrated into a floor (see FIG.1), individuals may be required to remain in a fixed position for apredetermined period of time so as to allow the UV light to betransmitted to the footwear 106 of the individual 104. As a result ofremaining stationary on the modular UV panels 200, thorough sanitizationof the footwear 106 of the individual 104 is achieved. The predeterminedperiod of time in which the individual 104 is to remain in a particularposition may be augmented depending on the pathogen being targeted. Thisrequirement to remain in a fixed position may be imposed when anindividual 104 is about to pass through a threshold (see FIG. 6), orwhen transitioning between a non-sterile area to a sterile area (seeFIGS. 6-8).

Alternatively, floor system 100 may be fully integrated into a floor,either completely covering the floor surface 102 or in a pattern (seeFIG. 11). Partial integration of the floor system 100 adds both thebenefit of partial UV treatment of select surfaces 102 as well asreducing the overall cost of installing the floor system 100. Furtherdescription of incorporation of floor surface patterns will be discussedin detail later with respect to FIG. 11.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular UV panels 200 of FIG. 1. Themodular UV panel 200 includes the grate 202 disposed along a top surfaceof the modular UV panel 200, the plurality of male connectors 208,located along two sides of the housing 206 of the modular UV panels 200,and the plurality of female connectors 228 located along two sides ofthe housing 206 of the modular UV panels 200. In response to selectiveplacement of the male and female connectors 208, 228 about the modularUV panel 200, a plurality of modular UV panels 200 may be mating themale connectors 208 with the female connectors 228 as shown in FIGS. 3,5A and 5B. While the embodiments disclosed herein discuss connection ofthe modular UV panels 200 with male to female connections (see FIGS. 5Aand 5B), it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that variousfasteners or connectors may be substituted as appropriate.

The modular UV panel 200 further includes a housing 206 which enclosesfour sides of the upper cavity 226 and lower cavity 222 (see FIG. 4, 5A,5B). It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, a modular UVpanels 200 may have greater or fewer sides defined by the housing 206than presently described which enclose the upper cavity 226 and lowercavity 222, with grate 202 supports being located internal to themodular UV panels 200. Reduction or relocation of the sides of thehousing 206 may provide for greater treatment of the modular UV panels200, or may facilitate easier installation depending on certainenvironmental constraints.

The modular UV panel 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes electricconnectors (see FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B) disposed within the male connectors 208and female connectors 228. In embodiments, the male and femaleconnectors 208, 228 may not be recessed and, alternatively, may bedisposed flush or substantially flush along a surface of the male andfemale connectors 208, 228. The male and female connectors 208, 228 mayfacilitate power transfer to an array of modular UV panels 200 (seeFIGS. 1, 3, and 6-9), and additionally or alternatively may selectivelytransmit control signals to cause the transmission of either direct orindirect UV light (see FIG. 7). The control signals may, upon receipt byany modular UV panel 200, cause a subset of modular UV panels 200 to beactivated, thereby causing the subset of modular UV panels 200 todeliver varying amounts of direct or indirect UV light. Descriptions ofvarious patterns formed with modular UV panels 200 will be describedlater in detail.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an array 300 of modular UV panels 200configured to sit flush against a surface such as the wall 110illustrated in FIG. 1 when disposed along a floor surface 102. Themodular UV panels 200 may be connected as illustrated in FIG. 1 bothmechanically and electrically. Modular UV panels 308, 310 configured tobe in contact with a wall 110 include flush housing sides 302, 304, 306which extend along the periphery of the modular UV panel 200 and allowthe array 300 of modular UV panels 200 to sit flush against a surfacewithout creating a gap equal to the distance of a male connector 208. Inparticular, two embodiments of modular UV panel 200 with flush housingsare illustrated, a side modular UV panel 310 with only one flush housingside 302 and a modular UV panel 308 configured to be positioned in thecorner of a room against two walls 110, the modular UV panel 308 havingtwo flush housing sides 304, 306.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section view of one of the modular UV panels200 of FIG. 1. The modular UV panel 200 is configured to receiveelectrical power and control signals, as well as selectively transmitelectrical power and control signals to modular UV panels 200 which areinterconnected. The modular UV panels 200 includes grate 202 whichprovides both structural support for individuals or objects disposedthereon as well as running bars 202A which divert UV light as it istransmitted from the UV led panel 220 at an angle θ (see FIG. 7). Thegrate 202 also includes a transparent material 202B which provides acontinuous surface as well as structural support for individuals 104 orobjects disposed thereon. Though the described embodiments of the grate202 will be referred to through the rest of the application withoutnecessarily referencing the transparent material 202B, it will becomeapparent to one skilled in the art that in place of the transparentmaterial 202B, the grate 202 may be located under a cover 204 whichencloses the presently described components of the modular UV panels200, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. For a detailed description of UV ledpanels integrated into a UV floor tile, reference may be made tocommonly-owned International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/58439,filed on Oct. 26, 2017, entitled “SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREOF FORDESTROYING PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH FOOTWEAR,” the contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The housing 206couples to the grate 202 via a plurality of fasteners or flanges (notshown), and may additionally support a cover 204 made of a structuraltransparent material such as, without limitation, structural glass orlaminates capable of supporting a predetermined floor load. The housing206 may define one or more openings configured to receive and/or supporta male connector 208 or female connector 228 therein.

As UV light is transmitted through the grate 202 illustrated in FIG. 4A,the efficacy of the transferred UV light may be reduced depending on theangle θ at which the UV light is transmitted. The as angle θ approachesa perpendicular relation to the grate (as θ approaches 90 degrees), thedisinfecting ability of the UV light increases. In particular,less-direct UV light has a reduced chance of being drawn to the eyes ofan individual 104. While this reduced potential for contact is valuable,the UV light transmission time may need to be extended for a prolongedperiod of time to achieve similar efficacy as UV light transmitted fromthe modular UV panel 200.

Direct UV light may be desirable when thorough sanitization of the floorsurface 102 is desired. One such example of thorough sanitization wouldbe when preparing a room, in particular a floor surface 102, in ahealthcare facility in between occupancy of different patients. Forexample, in an emergency room, the floor surface 102 may be subjected tothe patient, healthcare providers, healthcare equipment (not shown), orsolids and liquids which otherwise come into contact with the floorsurface during the stay of the patient in that emergency room. Thepatient may sneeze, bio hazardous articles may be dropped, or otherpotentially pathogenic agents may inadvertently come into contact withthe floor surface 102. While indirect UV light may be more desirable,application of indirect UV light 226B to the floor surface 102 may notbe sufficient to sanitize the floor surface 102 in a desirable amount oftime, particularly if indirect UV light is not administeredcontinuously.

Modular UV panels 200, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, may further include apower source input 210 which connects to the modular UV panel controlunit, or controller 214, located above the housing base 212. Inembodiments, the controller 214 may receive and transmit electricalpower and/or control signals either wirelessly, or via wiredconfigurations. Electrical power and control signals may subsequently betransmitted form the controller 214 to modular UV panels 200 which areconnected via a power cable 218. Once received, the electrical powercause the UV led panels 220 to transmit UV light therefrom.

The controller 214 may receive or transmit control signals whichsubsequently configure or set all or a portion of the modular UV panels200 connected to the controller 214 to operate in one or more predefinedmodular UV panel states. Embodiments of various modular UV panel stateswill be described in greater detail with regard to FIGS. 15 and 16. Thecontroller 214 may either receive input from a physical input device(not shown) or may receive wireless input from a device capable oftransmitting signals to the controller 214, both types of devicesreferred to collectively as foreign devices. Upon receiving input fromthe foreign device, the controller 214 may execute one or more programswhich, in turn, control activation and deactivation of the variouscomponents of the modular UV panels 200, including the UV led panel 220,or UV lamp 234.

The controller 214, disposed within the modular UV panel 200 (FIG. 4A)may be any suitable computing device capable of receiving andtransmitting electrical power and control signals and, in response,controlling select components associated with the modular UV panels 200,200′ of the present disclosure. The controller 214 may include one ormore memories, processors, network interfaces, input and/or outputports, or any combination thereof. The memory may include bothtransitory and non-transitory computer readable storage media forstoring data and/or software which include instructions that may beexecuted by the one or more processors. When executed, the instructionsin the memory cause the processor to control the operation of thevarious components of the modular UV panel 200, 200′. It is contemplatedthat the memory may include any known available medium for storinginstructions thereon which can be accessed by the processor such as,without limitation, non-transitory, volatile and/or non-volatile,removable and/or non-removable media, and the like, implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or othersuitable data access and management systems. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage media include, without limitation, RAM, ROM,EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, magnetic tapes, CD-ROM, and the like.

In embodiments, the memory stores data and/or one or more applicationswhich may include instructions to be executed on the one or moreprocessors of the controller 214. Likewise, the network interface mayenable electrical communication between the controller 214 and externalcomputing devices (not shown). For example, the network interface mayenable the controller 214 to transmit and/or receive data on wired orwireless networks such as, without limitation, local area networks(LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless mobile networks, Bluetooth®networks, the internet, and the like. Such networks may enable thecontroller 214 of the modular UV panel 200 to receive and transmit datatherebetween for remote control of the components of the modular UVpanel 200, transfer and review of event logs stored in the memory basedon operation of the modular UV panel, and other similar operations.

An upper cavity 226 is defined by the UV led panel 220, housing 206 andgrate 202. Likewise, a lower cavity 222 is defined by the UV led panel220, housing 206 and housing base 212. The upper cavity 226 and lowercavity 222 may be partially or completely sealed so as to preventbuildup of dust or debris which may prevent effective UV lighttransmission from the UV led panel 220. Alternatively, the grate 202 andcover 204 may be configured to be removed periodically for cleaning ofthe modular UV panels 200.

Located under the housing base 212 may be one or more strain gauges 224.Strain gauge 224 may cause the modular UV panels 200 to immediatelytransmit UV light via the UV led panel 220, or may send a signal to thecontroller 214, either via wired or wireless transmission, which may inturn cause the controller 214 to activate the UV led panel 220 at alater time. The strain gauge 224 may also be configured to preventinadvertent activation the UV led panel 220 by detecting certainconditions. Such conditions may include, without limitation, thedropping of articles on the floor, traffic of individuals such aschildren, or otherwise applying pressure on the modular UV panels 200 ina manner not intended to activate the Modular UV panels 200.

As shown in FIG. 4B an alternate embodiment of the modular UV panel 200,referred to herein as modular UV panel 200′, includes a UV lamp 234 inplace of the UV led panel 220 (FIG. 4A). As illustrated, two UV lamps234 are installed in UV lamp housings 232, though one UV lamp 234 may besufficient. The UV lamp 234 is located in the cavity 236 of the modularUV panel 200′. The modular UV panel 200′ may further include areflective surface 230 to redirect UV light which is reflected orotherwise angled away from the grate 202. It is further contemplatedthat the modular UV panel 200′ housing 206′ may be made of a reflectivematerial to assist in directing UV light which initially strikes themodular UV panels 200′ housing 206′ toward the grate 202.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the modular UV panels 200′ may furtherinclude an ozone generator 238. The ozone generator 238 may emit ozone(commonly referred to as trioxogen or O₃) so as to provide additionaldisinfection to the surface of the modular UV panels 200′. The ozonegenerator 238 may be triggered when a specific load is detected by oneor more strain gauges 224, releasing a quantity of ozone determined tobe both desirable for the environment as well as effective forsanitization of the footwear 106 of the individuals 104 or other objects(not shown) located above the modular UV panels 200′. The modular UVpanel 200 control unit 214′ may further activate the ozone generator 238upon detecting an increased load via the one or more strain gauges 224for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined time may be set totrigger the ozone generator 238 automatically, or may measure a periodof time, such as ten seconds, so as to prevent inadvertent actuation ofthe ozone generator 238. While certain features have been described withregard to the modular UV panel 200′ such as the reflective surface andthe ozone generator 238, such features are not limited to the embodimentof the modular UV panel 200′ shown in FIG. 4B but, rather, may beincluded in any of the embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 5A illustrates two modular UV panels, referred to as a firstmodular UV panel 500 and a second modular UV panel 502 for purposes ofsimplicity, in an unconnected position. A male connector 208 of thefirst modular UV panel 500 is shown positioned to be insertably coupledwith a female connector 228 of a second modular UV panel 502. Inparticular, the cross-section taken through the first and second modularUV panels 500, 502 show the male connector housing 208A which, whencoupled with the female connector 228, is slidably received within afemale connector cavity 228A.

The male connector 208 further includes a male connector housing cavity208B configured to receive a female connector electric housing 228B.When the male connector 208 and the female connector 228 are connected,a male electric connector 208C and a female electric connector 228Cenable the transmission of electrical power and control signals from thefirst modular UV panel 500 to the second modular UV panel 502.Electrical power and control signals may subsequently be transferred tomodular UV panels 200 which are connected thereto (see FIG. 1) as wellas to UV led panels 220, when available.

FIG. 5B illustrates the first and second modular UV panels 500, 502 ofFIG. 5A in a connected position. Specifically, as a result of slidablyengaging the male connector 208 of the first modular UV panel 500 withthe female connector 228 of the second modular UV panel 502, mechanicaland electrical connections are established. As a result, the first andsecond modular UV panels 500, 502 are aligned such that the housings 206of both modular UV panels 500, 502 provide lateral support, while themale and female connectors 208, 228 provide horizontal support relativeto the respective opposing modular UV panels 500, 502. As a result, thepositions of the first modular UV panel 500 and second modular UV panel502 are maintained during the operation of the first and second modularUV panel 500, 502.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the corner of the modular UV panel 200of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the male connector 208 defines a maleconnector housing 208A which further includes a male connector housingcavity 208B which extends outward from the housing 206 defining a maleconnector housing cavity 208B. Disposed within the male connectorhousing cavity 208B is a male electric connector 208C. As illustrated,the male electric connector 208C includes a plurality of pins disposedthereon capable of receiving both electrical power and control signals.

Further illustrated in FIG. 6 is a female connector 228, defining afemale connector cavity 228A which extends inward through the housing206 of the modular UV panel 200. The female connector cavity 228Adefines a cavity extending inwardly into the housing 206 configured toreceive a male connector 208 therein. The female connector 228 includesa female connector support 228D, extending outward toward the housing206 and further including a plurality of female electric connectors 228Cconfigured to enable the transmission of electrical power and controlsignals between a male connector 208 when connected.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, and initially to FIG. 7A, a UV led panel220 is shown having a plurality of led diodes 220A configured to projectUV-C light indirectly, or at an angle θ₁ relative to the UV led panel220, referred to herein as indirect led diodes 220A. The indirect leddiodes 220A are configured to emit UV light at an angle θ₁ from thesurface of the UV led panel 220. The transmission of the UV light atsuch an angle may be configured to operate in connection with the grate202 (see FIG. 4), thereby reducing the ability of UV light to betransmitted and subsequently come in contact with the eyes of anindividual 104 while the UV led panel 220 is activated. Emission of UVlight at angle θ₁ may further permit continuous transmission of UV lightfor prolonged periods of time without the need for protective eyewear,thereby allowing for more comprehensive sanitization of the grate 202,or cover 204.

FIG. 7B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the UV led panel 220,referred to generally as UV led panel 220′. As illustrated, UV led panel220′ includes a plurality of direct led diodes 220B which are configuredto emit UV light at an angle θ₂ which is substantially perpendicular tothe UV led panel 220′. The angled UV light may be filtered andredirected by a grate 202 (see FIG. 4), or may be transmitted withoutimpedance directly upward to the upper surface of the modular UV panel200 in which the UV led panel 220′ is installed.

FIG. 7C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the UV led panel 220,referred to generally as UV led panel 220″ including a plurality ofindirect led diodes 220A and direct led diodes 220B. As illustrated inFIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the direct and indirect led diodes 220A, 220Btransmit light at an angle equal to θ₁ and θ₂, respectively. As aresult, the UV led panel 220 ″ may be configured to deliver both directand indirect UV light to the surface of the modular UV panel 200 inwhich the UV led panel 220″ is installed.

FIG. 8 illustrates the system of FIG. 1 installed in an environment asan array 300′ of modular UV panels 200 disposed along the exterior of athreshold or doorway 800. The array 300′ of modular UV panels 200 isconfigured to sterilize footwear 106 or other objects that traverse thegrate 202 of the modular UV panels 200. The environment illustrated inFIG. 8 contemplates the demarcation of an area as a sterile area, andsubsequent requirement of individuals 104 to pass over the array 300′ ofmodular UV panels 200 prior to entering the sterile area (not shown). Inaddition, environmental control systems such as signage, alerts, and thelike (not shown) may be installed to prevent an individual 104 frompassing beyond a sterile threshold 802 prior to sterilization of thefootwear 106 of the individual 104 so as to prevent transfer ofpathogens between environments. To prevent inadvertent contact betweenUV light emitted from the modular UV panels 200 and the eyes ofindividuals 104 in proximity to the modular UV panels 200, the grate 202may be oriented so as to divert UV light toward the doorway 800, therebyreducing the chance of UV light coming into contact with otherindividuals 104 in the environment. Additionally, or alternatively, UVled panels which transmit UV light at an angle θ₁ and/or θ₂ may beinstalled in the modular UV panels 200 to direct UV light away from theline-of-sight of the individuals 104 in proximity to the modular UVpanels 200.

FIG. 9 illustrates the system of FIG. 1 installed in an environment asan array 300″ of modular UV panels 200 arranged along a hallway 900leading to a sterile area (not shown). The array 300″ of modular UVpanels 200, as illustrated, covers the floor surface 102, therebycreating a sterile barrier between the sterile area and non-sterilearea. By covering a portion of the floor surface 102, the modular UVpanels 200 may be configured to operate in a passive mode, deliveringreduced amounts of UV light to the grate 202, as well as any objectsdisposed on or near the grate 202. Also, the modular UV panels 200 maybe oriented on the floor surface 102 so as to reduce the chance ofexposure of UV light to the eyes of individuals 104 in close proximityto the modular UV panels 200. For example, the grate 202 may divertlight away from the center of the hallway toward the periphery to bereceived by the walls 110. The walls 110 may be made or coated in anon-reflective material such as flat paints and the like, or where asmooth surface is located on the wall 110 such as a glass or laminate,compounds intended to reduce reflectivity such as DuPont™Anti-Reflective Coating.

FIG. 10 illustrates the system of FIG. 1 installed in an environment1000 as an array 300′″ of modular UV panels 200 for preventingtransmission of pathogens from a non-sterile environment (not shown) toa patient room or sterile environment 1004. Prior to entering thesterile environment 1004 an individual may be required to undergo asterilization process including known sterilization techniques (e.g.,hand washing, scrubbing-in, and the like), in addition to sanitizationperformed by the one or more modular UV panels 200 disposed thereon. Byinstalling the array 300′″ of modular UV panels 200 in close proximityto the sterile threshold 802, individuals entering the sterileenvironment 1004 receive additionally sanitization, thereby protectedthem from the transfer or contraction of pathogens from the environmentof FIG. 10. This may both reduce the overall recovery time of patientslocated in the sterile environment 1004, protect healthcare providersand guests interacting with patients, as well as patients withcompromised immune systems that may be at heightened risk of contractinginfections (e.g., patients in different rooms which are receiving carefrom healthcare providers who are engaging with patients contaminatedwith pathogens). Though the environment illustrated in FIG. 10 showsonly a portion of the floor surface 102 having modular UV panels 200disposed thereon, the floor surface 102 may be completely covered withmodular UV panels 200, or may have tiles disposed intermittently inpatterns thereon (see FIG. 11). Further, the modular UV panels 200 maybe selectively installed in areas likely to come into contact withpathogens, such as medical staging areas or where waste receptacles aredisposed.

FIG. 11 is an illustration an embodiment of a floor surface 102 in whicha subset of floor tiles 1100 are installed along a floor surface (notshown) in conjunction with a plurality of modular UV panels 200. Byarranging the modular UV panels 200 intermittently across the floorsurface 102, select or dispersed areas of the floor surface 102 may besanitized as needed, or the modular UV panels 200 may be operated forlonger periods of time. While a checker pattern is illustrated in FIG.11, in embodiments, the pattern defined by the integration of modular UVpanels may form other suitable patterns not expressly illustrated.

FIG. 12A is an illustration of a supplemental platform 1200 incorporatedinto the array 300′ of modular UV panels 200 illustrated in FIG. 8. Thesupplemental platform 1200 may be configured to interlock with one ormore modular UV panels 200. More particularly, the supplemental platform1200 may include male connectors 1208 and female connectors 1228disposed thereon, the male and female connectors 1208, 1228 configuredto engage with the male and female connectors 208, 228 of the modular UVpanel 200. Both male and female connectors 1208, 1228 may only providephysical support for mechanical connections to modular UV panels 200coupled thereto. In embodiments, both the male and female connectors1208, 1228 may be configured as “pass-through” connectors, allowing fortransmission of electrical energy as well as control signals to modularUV panels 200 which are interconnected. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 12A, a transfer patch 1202 may be disposed on the supplementalplatform 1200, the transfer patch 1202 configured to transfer substancesto the footwear 106 of individuals 104 standing on the supplementalplatform 1200. The transfer patch 1202 may also be removable and/ordisposable, to enable efficient replacement of the transfer patch 1202once the end of the lifespan of the transfer patch 1202 is reached.

FIG. 12B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the supplemental platform1200 of FIG. 12A, taken along A-A. As discussed earlier, thesupplemental platform 1200 includes the transfer patch 1202 disposed ina recess defined by a supplemental platform surface 1204. The transferpatch 1202 may be loaded or otherwise saturated with substances capableof absorbing UV light energy (e.g., titanium dioxide (TiO₂), therebyincreasing and/or prolonging the efficacy of the UV light treatment tothe footwear 106 of individuals 104 engaging the modular UV panels 200.The transfer patch 1202 may be constructed of an absorbent gel orgel-like substance (e.g. a superabsorbent polymer), or may be a pad (notshown) which is lined with a UV light absorbing substance. The transferpatch 1202 may be removable for replacement with a new transfer patch1202 after the UV absorbing material is extracted from the transferpatch 1202.

In embodiments, the transfer patch 1202 may include an outer membraneconstructed of a microporous material. Examples of suitable porous andmicroporous materials include, without limitation, expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), cotton, and the like. A transfer patch1202 with a suitable porous or microporous membrane may be filled with aUV absorbent material such as titanium oxide (TiO₂) stored in a liquid,gel, or powder form. As an individual 104 steps onto the transfer patch1202, the liquid, gel, or powder may pass through the porous ormicroporous membrane and attach to the footwear 106 of the individuals104 traversing the transfer patch 1202. After the application of the UVabsorbent material to the footwear 106 of the individual 104, theindividual 104 may then step onto the modular UV panels 200 to allow forsanitization of the footwear 106 by the UV led panel 220.

FIGS. 12C and 12D illustrate alternative embodiments of the supplementalplatform 1200, referred to as 1200′ and 1200″, respectively. Asillustrated, the supplemental platforms 1200′ and 1200″ have disposedthereon transfer patches 1202 in predetermined shapes, presently, inshapes of the footwear 106 of individuals 104 interacting with thesupplemental platforms 1200′ and 1200′. By shaping the transfer patches1202 in such a manner, use of the transfer patch 1202 is made moreintuitive. As such, an individual 104 is less likely to mistake thetransfer patch for the modular UV panel 200 or for a surface which doesnot have UV absorbent materials disposed thereon.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the modular UV panels200, referred to generally as 200′. As illustrated, modular UV panels200′ include a grate 202 which further includes a plurality of runningbars 202A and transparent material 202B interposed between the runningbars 202A. The transparent material 202B may be any solid substancewhich permits UV light to pass through the transparent material 202B.Alternatively, the transparent material 202B may be substituted for ahollow cavity filled with air.

The UV led panel 220 of FIG. 13 as illustrated may be made of anymaterial capable of sustaining the required floor load while supportinga plurality of UV led diodes 220A. Additionally, or alternatively, theUV led panel 220 may have openings (not shown) which permit directconnection between the supporting elements of the modular UV panel 200′and the running bars 202A. The UV led panel 220 includes male and femaleconnectors 208, 228 which are configured to engage with the male andfemale connectors 208, 228 of corresponding modular UV panels 200 (notshown). Since the UV floor tile of FIG. 13 does not require a housing206 to support the grate 202, the modular UV panel 200′ has an overallheight requirement which is reduced relative to the modular UV panel 200(FIG. 1) when installed on a floor surface 102. Male connector 208includes a male electric connector 208C configured to engage with afemale electric connector 228C of a modular UV panel 200′ (see FIG. 6).

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the modular UV panel 200′ described inconnection with FIG. 13, with alternative male and female connectors208′, 228′. As illustrated, the male connector 208′ and female connector228′ do not extrude or protrude from the modular UV panel 200′. Disposedon the exterior surface of the male and female connectors 208′, 228′ area series of flush or substantially female electric connectors 228C whichare substantially flush with the housing of the modular UV panel 200′and are configured to transfer electrical power and/or control signalsto modular UV panels 200 thereacross (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 1500, describedgenerally as a controller-based process for controlling one or moremodular UV panels 200 which operate between varying modular UV panelstates. The modular UV panel states may selectively activate certain UVfloor tile components. In embodiments, process 1500 may be performed bycontrol unit or controller 214 (see FIG. 4A). As described, the modularUV panels 200, 200′, and components associated therewith, may includevarious components which are controlled by the controller 214, asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4A. The processes described in thisapplication, including process 1500 and process 1600, may be performedand/or executed on one or more of the components described in connectionwith the controller 214. Further, one of ordinary skill will recognizethat the process described may be performed as single or unitaryprocesses or, in the alternative, may be performed by performing a setof sub-processes. While the processes and sub-processes associated withprocesses 1500, 1600 are described in a particular order for purposes ofclarity, it is contemplated that performance of particular processes mayoccur in differing order without departing from the scope or spirit ofthis disclosure. Further, specific examples of execution of any or allof the particular processes described below should not be seen aslimiting, but merely as exemplary of embodiments consistent with thisdisclosure.

Process 1500 starts at block 1502, where the controller 214 sets asetting or state of the modular UV panel 200 to an active state. Whilein the active state, the controller 214 selectively causes electricalpower to be transmitted to the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234)disposed within the modular UV panel 200, 200′ to selectively activateor deactivate the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) once a predeterminedcriteria is detected. The predetermined criteria may include, withoutlimitation, receiving sensor signals from one or more components of themodular UV panel 200, such as the one or more strain gauges 224.

At block 1504 the controller 214 may detect, among other events, anincrease in the applied surface load as measured by one or more straingauges 224 (see FIG. 4). Where no increase in the applied surface loadis measured, process 1500 returns to block 1502, maintaining thecontroller 214 in the active state. Alternatively, once an increasedsurface load is detected by the one or more strain gauges 224, process1500 continues to block 1506. In embodiments, the controller 214 mayfurther include a wireless communication unit, e.g., a WiFi® antenna, anBluetooth® antenna, an RFID antenna, or any other suitable device. Thecontroller 214 may, either continuously or in response to an increase inthe applied surface load measured by strain gauges 224, search for anelectric signal associated with one or more individuals. For example, asan individual enters a room with a patient located therein (see FIG.10), the amount of times the individual enters the room, or the amountof time the individual spends in the room, may be counted. As a result,the count may be maintained in the memory of the controller 214 or maybe transmitted to a system remote from the controller 214. The count maysubsequently be reviewed to ensure compliance (e.g., ensuring that theindividual entering is not in the room for a period of time which isdetermined to be unsafe) with best practices for treating patients.

Upon determining the surface load has increased, the controller 214causes electrical power to be transmitted to the UV led panel 220 atblock 1506, thereby activating the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) andcausing UV light to be transmitted toward the grate 202 of the modularUV panel 200, 200′ (see FIG. 4A). Notably, the controller 214 mayfurther analyze the increase in the surface load and, if the measuredsurface load is not above a predetermined threshold (e.g., an individual104 (FIG. 1) is not located on the modular UV panel 200, 200′) thecontroller 214 does not cause electrical power to be transmitted to theUV led panel 220.

While the controller 214 controls the UV led panel 220 to cause the UVled panel 220 to transmit UV light, the controller 214 again checks thestrain gauge 224 to determine whether an increased load is present. Ifan increased load is still present, the controller 214 continues tocause the transmission of UV light, returning to block 1506. Otherwise,if the increased surface load detected at block 1506 is no longerdetected, process 1500 proceeds to block 1510.

When the increased load is no longer detected, the modular UV panel 200,and more particularly the UV led panel 220, is deactivated by thecontroller 214, thereby causing the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) tostop or reduce the emission of UV light at block 1510. Upon deactivationof the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234), the modular UV panels 200 isdeactivated.

It is contemplated that process 1500 may, in alternative embodiments,monitor additional modular UV panel states. For example, the controller214 may maintain a lamp-on counter configured to measure the amount oftime the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) receives power from thecontroller 214. The modular UV panels 200 controller 214 may, upondetection of a lamp-on counter measurement which is greater than apredetermined measurement, deactivate the modular UV panel 200, oralternatively adjust the strain gauge 224 tolerance. Adjustment of thetolerance of the strain gauge 224 may be desired for handling situationssuch as objects being placed on the floor for extended periods of time,thereby preventing over-sanitization of the object. Additionally, whenin the active state, the controller 214 may cause intermittent orotherwise varied transmission of UV light from the UV led panel 220 (orUV lamp 234), in place of continues transmission.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flow diagram a process for setting a modularUV panel 200 state, referred to as process 1600, is illustrated. Inembodiments, process 1600 may be performed by the controller 214 (FIG.4A) in a manner similar described with respect to process 1500.

The controller 214 may initially set a default state at block 1602,causing the UV lamp 234 to operate in an ACTIVE state, described laterat block 1608, a PASSIVE state described at block 1612, or an ON statedescribed at block 1618. In general, the ACTIVE state relates to a statein which the controller 214 monitors one or more strain gauges 224 todetermine whether an individual or objects are disposed thereon forsanitization; the PASSIVE state generally relates to operation in whichthe controller 214 maintains sanitization without necessarily measuringincreased strain (e.g., activating the UV led panel 220 intermittently,maintaining continuous transmission of UV light at a reduced intensity);and the ON state generally relates to operation in which the controller214 causes the UV led panel 220 to transmit light continuously, ateither the maximum intensity or any lesser intensity which may beselected.

At block 1604, when the controller 214 determines that an ACTIVE statehas been selected, either via an external input (not shown), or as adefault state stored in the memory of the controller 214. If the ACTIVEstate is selected, the controller 214 determines whether the one or morestrain gauges 224 have detected a sufficient increase in the load placedon the modular UV panel 200 at block 1606. Alternatively, if, at block1604, the controller 214 determines that the ACTIVE state is notselected, the controller 214 proceeds to block 1610 and determineswhether the PASSIVE state is selected.

When the controller 214 determines the strain gauge 224 has detected aload greater than a predetermined threshold (block 1606), process 1600continues to block 1608 and the controller 214 causes electrical energyto be transmitted to the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234), therebyactivating the UV led panel 220. The predetermined threshold necessaryto activate the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) may be any measurableforce exerted downward on the modular UV panel 200, or may be set at athreshold to prevent activation of the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234)by an individual or object of insufficient weight (such as a child orsmall objects). Additionally, the predetermined threshold may be set asany weight determined to indicate incidental actuation not intended toactivate the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) (e.g., when an individual104 steps on two or more tiles). In embodiments, incidental actuationmay also be determined by measuring a variation in strain, or lackthereof, and determining, based on the measured strain variation,whether the object located above the modular UV panel 200 has moved. Ifthe controller 214 determines that the strain gauge 224 measurementmeets the condition for activating the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp234), at block 1608 the UV led panel 220 is activated. Alternatively, ifin the ACTIVE state the controller 214 does not determine the measuredstrain is sufficient to activate the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234),process 1600 returns to block 1602.

While the UV led panel 220 is operated in the ACTIVE state at block1608, the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) receives electrical energy,causing UV light to be transmitted upwardly from the modular UV panel200 for sanitization of objects in contact with, or close proximity to,the modular UV panel 200. After activating the UV led panel 220 (or UVlamp 234), process 1600 returns to block 1606 where the controller 214continues to check whether sufficient weight is exerted on the modularUV panel 200, thereby warranting continued sanitization.

When the controller 214 determines that an ACTIVE state is not selectedat block 1604, the controller 214 determines whether a PASSIVE state isselected at block 1610. If the controller 214 determines that thePASSIVE state has is selected either in response to receiving externalinput (not shown) or based on instructions stored in the memory of thecontroller 214, process 1600 continues to block 1612. Alternatively, ifthe controller 214 determines that the PASSIVE state is not selected,process 1600 continues to block 1616.

At block 1612 the controller 214 operates the modular UV panel 200 inthe PASSIVE state. While operating in the PASSIVE state, the UV floortile may selectively activate the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234),causing the transmission of UV light at a reduced intensity and/orintermittently. During operation in the PASSIVE state, the UV led panel220 (or UV lamp 234) may emit UV light which is deemed to be optimal foruse in connection with the presence of individuals 104 located in closeproximity to the modular UV panel 200. Once the controller 214 activatesthe UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234), the controller 214 continues toblock 1614 to determine whether the modular UV panel 200 has beendeactivated. Deactivation of the UV led panel 220 may occur when thecontroller 214 receives a control signal to deactivate the UV led panel220 from an external input source (not shown) or as a result ofexecuting instructions in the memory of the controller 214.Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 214 may determine thatthe UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234) has been active for a period oftime greater than a predetermined period of time, and as such may causethe processes executed on the processor of the controller 214 totimeout, thereby deactivating the UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234). Ifthe controller 214 deactivates the UV led panel 220, process 1600 isterminated. Alternatively, if deactivation does not occur, process 1600returns to block 1612.

If both the ACTIVE and PASSIVE states are not selected at blocks 1604and 1610, respectively, the controller 214 determines whether an ONstate is selected. The ON state generally refers to manual activation ofthe UV led panel 220 (or UV lamp 234). The controller 214 may determinethat an ON state is selected as a default state if either the ACTIVE orPASSIVE states are not selected. Additionally, or alternatively, thecontroller 214 may determine that the ON state is selected based onreceiving external input from an external input device (not shown). Ifthe controller 214 determines that an ON state has been selected,process 1600 continues to block 1618. Alternatively, if the controller214 does not determine that an ON state is selected, process 1600continues to block 1620.

Once the ON state is selected, the controller 214 activates the UV ledpanel 220 (or UV lamp 234) at block 1618. The UV led panel 220 (or UVlamp 234), after activation, receives power and emits UV light upwardly,toward the grate 202, the UV light ultimately received by objectslocated above the modular UV panel 200. Once the UV led panel 220 isactivated the process 1600 for setting a UV tile state is terminatedonce terminated, the UV led panel 220 may continue to transmit UV lightuntil receiving additional input, either from a remote computing deviceor in response to a timer maintained in the memory of the controller214. In embodiments, the UV light may be continuously transmitted as anindividual, operating a remote computing device, engages the remotedevice (e.g., depresses a button) to selectively cause the transmissionof UV light from the UV led panel 220.

At block 1620 the controller 214 sets the UV floor tile state to an OFFstate, thereby stopping the transmission of electrical power to the UVled panel 220 (or UV lamp 234). Once electrical power is no longerdelivered to the UV led panel 220, process 1600 terminates.

The disclosed technology provides novel systems, methods, and apparatusfor the sanitization of floor surfaces as well as objects located above.Though detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the disclosedtechnology are detailed above, various alternatives, modifications, andequivalents will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout varying or departing from the spirit of the invention. Forexample, while the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, components, or combinations thereof, such features, componentsand combinations may be substituted with functionally equivalentsubstitutes which may or may not contain the elements as originallydescribed or arranged.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular UV panel disposable on a floor surface and configured to selectively transmit ultraviolet (UV) light therefrom to destroy pathogens, the modular UV panel comprising: a housing having a first and second lateral sides forming a cavity therebetween; a platform supported by the housing and configured to permit passage of UV light therethrough; a UV light source disposed within the cavity of the housing, the UV light source configured to transmit UV light through the platform; a first connector disposed along the housing having a first interface configured to enable electrical communication thereacross; and a second connector disposed along the housing having a second interface configured to enable electrical communication thereacross.
 2. The modular UV panel of claim 1, wherein the first connector or the second connector are coupled to a power supply connection and are configured to receive electrical power and transmit power to the UV light source.
 3. The modular UV panel of claim 2, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the power supply and the UV light source, the controller configured to control operation of the UV light source.
 4. The modular panel of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to operate in an ACTIVE state, a PASSIVE state, or an ON state.
 5. The modular UV panel of claim 4, wherein the controller causes the UV light source to transmit UV light at a reduced luminescence while operating during a PASSIVE state.
 6. The modular UV panel of claim 3, wherein the platform includes a plurality of running bars disposed in spaced relation thereon.
 7. The modular UV panel of claim 6, wherein the plurality of running bars are disposed at a predefined angle (θ) relative to a plane defined by the platform such that UV light transmitted by the UV light source is transmitted from the modular UV panel at the predefined angle θ.
 8. The modular UV panel of claim 6, wherein the UV light source is configured to transmit light at a UV-C wavelength range.
 9. The modular UV panel of claim 6, wherein the platform further includes a second plurality of running bars intersecting the plurality of running bars, thereby defining a grid.
 10. The modular UV panel of claim 1, wherein the platform is fabricated from aluminum.
 11. The modular UV panel of claim 1, further comprising a cover removably disposed along an upper portion of the housing, the cover configured to enclose the cavity of the housing.
 12. The modular UV panel of claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed of a reflective material.
 13. The modular UV panel of claim 1, further comprising a housing base configured to be attached to the first and second lateral sides.
 14. The modular UV panel of claim 13, wherein the housing and housing base are constructed of a reflective material configured to reflect transmitted UV light toward the platform.
 15. The modular UV panel of claim 13, wherein the housing is configured to receive a reflective tray having a reflective white polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
 16. The modular UV panel of claim 1, wherein the UV light source is a UV LED panel configured to emit short-wavelength UV radiation.
 17. The modular UV panel of claim 1, wherein the UV light source is a UV bulb configured to emit short-wavelength UV radiation, the UV bulb being disposed in the cavity.
 18. The modular UV panel of claim 3, further comprising a strain gauge in electrical communication with the controller and configured to transmit force measurements thereto in response to force exerted on the platform. 